We learned a lot about this new-look New England Patriots team in the 2021 season. We learned that although he is still a work in progress, it appears the Patriots have found their quarterback for the future in Mac Jones. We also learned that both the Patriots’ offense and defense are in dire need of some fresh talent that they absolutely could have used last season. So, let’s take a look at some of the positions the Patriots need to address in the offseason to avoid taking a step back after a solid 2021 season.
Linebacker
Going into the 2021 season, the Patriots were supposed to have one of the best front seven’s in the NFL. However, the Patriots were 22nd in the league when it came to rushing yards allowed per game, allowing 123.7. It seemed the return of players like Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins were not enough to help in the run game. Aside from maybe Collins, these players aren’t exactly known for their prolific pass coverage and all of them are well past their athletic peak.
The Patriots will need a speedy middle linebacker who can make plays in both the pass and run game. My hope is that the Patriots address the middle linebacker position with their first-round draft pick this year. Some players to watch are Utah’s Devin Lloyd who combined for 111 total tackles with four interceptions in 2011 and Georgia’s Nakobe Dean who had 72 total tackles, two interceptions, along with two forced fumbles as well. If one of those two players are available at the 21st pick, the Patriots should absolutely jump on that.
Wide receiver
The loss of Julian Edelman was felt in a big way in 2021. Not having a go-to, top-tier wide receiver really made things tougher on the offense and Jones. New England has a few receivers who can push 1,000 yards receiving like Kendrick Bourne and pending free agent Jakobi Meyers, but neither of those guys are number one caliber guys.
I would look for the Patriots to acquire a receiver via free agency or the trade market. One guy we should all have our eyes on is Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley. He only played a small portion of last season before sitting out for personal reasons. Odds are he would want out of Atlanta, and it might not take more than a second round pick to acquire him. In 2020, Ridley emerged as an elite wide receiver with 1,374 receiving yards. Acquiring Ridley would open up a whole new dimension to the Patriots offense.
Cornerback
Things are beginning to look ugly with the situation between the Patriots and star cornerback, J.C. Jackson as it looks like he will be looking for a contract that will make him close to $20 million a season. If we know anything about Bill Belichick as a general manager, he will not be paying Jackson anywhere close to that money. So, with Jackson likely gone, New England will need to find a replacement for their top cornerback.
If a player like Derek Stingley Jr. or Ahmad Gardner is available once the 21st pick comes around in the draft, then that may be too good of an opportunity to pass up. However, those two players will likely be gone before the first 15 picks of the draft, so the Patriots will have to look to free agency. Belichick will likely look for veteran cornerback who will play for less money. So, perhaps a guy like Kyle Fuller or Chris Harris could fill the void for a short time. Chances are, Stephon Gilmore would not be willing to return to New England after last season’s falling out.
There are a lot of directions the Patriots could go in this offseason. It should be a foregone conclusion that one of these three positions will be addressed with their first-round pick. However, nothing is guaranteed, so we should probably reassess this situation once free agency opens up in mid-March because a lot can change between now and then.
Patriots’ offseason needs
March 4, 2022
JC Jackson of the New England Patriots. Illustration by Bianca Oppedisano / Mass Media Staff
About the Writer
Bianca Oppedisano, Illustrator